Welcome to Country is an important cultural protocol followed in many Indigenous nations across the world, particularly in Australia. It is a way of acknowledging and respecting the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which an event or gathering is taking place. Saying “Welcome to Country” correctly is a means of showing cultural sensitivity and appreciation. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “Welcome to Country,” along with some regional variations, tips, and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say “Welcome to Country”
When it comes to formal occasions, such as official ceremonies, conferences, or major events, it is crucial to follow the appropriate protocols. Here are some formal ways to say “Welcome to Country”:
1. Traditional Welcome
A traditional Welcome to Country is usually performed by an Aboriginal Elder or Traditional Custodian. This powerful ceremony involves a spoken welcome, singing, dancing, and often incorporates traditional artifacts. The Elder may recite their own language, such as:
“Yumarrpaŋuṯu dhuwalandja.” (Yolngu Matha)
Translation: “We acknowledge this land.”
2. Spoken Acknowledgment
In formal settings, you may be asked to give a spoken acknowledgment of the traditional owners. Here is an example:
“I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather today, the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country]. I pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.”
3. Acknowledgment and Smoking Ceremony
In some instances, a Smoking Ceremony may be conducted as part of the formal Welcome to Country. It involves traditional smoking of the participants and the event area using native plants. You can use the following phrasing:
“I would like to commence this ceremony by acknowledging and paying my respects to the Traditional Owners of this land, the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country]. As a mark of respect to their ancestors and to seek their blessing, I invite [Name of Elder] to perform a Smoking Ceremony.”
Informal Ways to Say “Welcome to Country”
Informal situations, such as community gatherings, meetings, or workshops, often call for a more relaxed and personal approach to saying “Welcome to Country.” Here are some informal ways to do so:
1. Acknowledging Country
“Acknowledging Country” is a more casual way to say “Welcome to Country” in less formal environments:
“Before we proceed, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country].”
2. Informal Spoken Welcome
In an informal gathering, you can provide a spoken welcome with a more personal touch. Here’s an example:
“Good morning/afternoon everyone, and a warm welcome to the land of the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country]. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces here today. We gratefully acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their ongoing connection to this place.”
Tips for Saying “Welcome to Country”
When saying “Welcome to Country,” it’s important to keep these tips in mind:
1. Research and Prepare
Learn about the specific Indigenous nation/country and traditional owners of the land on which the event is taking place. Research their protocols, customs, and languages to demonstrate your respect.
2. Seek Permission
Prior to the event, contact the local Aboriginal community or Traditional Custodians to seek permission and guidance on conducting a Welcome to Country.
3. Use Traditional Language where Appropriate
If you are familiar with the traditional language of the land, you may choose to incorporate it into your Welcome to Country. However, ensure you have consulted with local language speakers to ensure accuracy and cultural appropriateness.
4. Show Respects to Elders
Always acknowledge and pay respects to Elders, both past and present. Recognize their custodianship of the land and their role in passing down knowledge and traditions.
Examples of Welcome to Country
Let’s take a look at some examples of Welcome to Country in various scenarios:
Example 1: Formal Ceremony
Elder: “Yumarrpaŋuṯu dhuwalandja.”
Example 2: Spoken Acknowledgment
Speaker: “I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather today, the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country]. I pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.”
Example 3: Acknowledgment and Smoking Ceremony
Speaker: “I would like to commence this ceremony by acknowledging and paying my respects to the Traditional Owners of this land, the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country]. As a mark of respect to their ancestors and to seek their blessing, I invite [Name of Elder] to perform a Smoking Ceremony.”
Example 4: Informal Gathering
Facilitator: “Before we proceed, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country].”
Example 5: Informal Spoken Welcome
Speaker: “Good morning/afternoon everyone, and a warm welcome to the land of the [Name of Indigenous Nation/Country]. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces here today. We gratefully acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their ongoing connection to this place.”
Remember, regardless of the way you say “Welcome to Country,” it is essential to approach the gesture with respect and genuine appreciation. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to creating a culturally inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
